Crocker’s Table

"What a lovely way to spend an afternoon by enjoying a fabulous Tasting Menu lunch at Crockers. The restaurant is set at the top of the high street in the small town of Tring in Hertfordshire. The head chef is Scott Barnard who along with his team create not only fantastic food but with the help of the front of house team try to encourage guests to engage with each other to generate a nice relaxing and buzzy atmosphere. We arrived in Tring for lunch and parked in the car park at the bottom of the high street before making the short five minute walk to the top which is where you’ll find the restaurant. As we entered we received a warm welcome before heading downstairs to the Cellar Bar for an aperitif. Whilst here Scott came down to say hello and to have a catch up as we hadn’t been for a few years. He would then personally escort us up to the Chefs Table on the top floor passing the dining room at street level. The chef’s table is a counter seating in a U shape in front of the open kitchen and the preparation area. This gives you the chance to see the chefs preparing each course from start to finish and gives you the chance to engage with the team. The menu is just a nine course Tasting Menu and there is also the option of a wine pairing. Once all guests are seated then the afternoon begins. The first two courses are your snacks where you begin with the Westcombe Cheddar , IP8 , Onion. This is followed by the Loch Duart Salmon , Ponzu , Yuzu Kosho , Furikake. You then move onto the Tring Brewery Beer Bread with Ampersand Butter. Our next course was the Hand Dived Scottish Scallop , apple , dill , cucumber , porthilly oyster , horseradish , N25 caviar and was an absolute delight. This was followed by another amazing dish of Cornish Cod , artichoke and yeast purée , sauce matelote. We then moved on to the main course and a triumph it was to. The Dry Aged Sirloin of Beef with black garlic , roscoff onion and turnip. Quite simply heaven on a plate. We now moved to the cheese course and this was not good for your arteries. Vacherin Mont d’Or with wiltshire truffle honey on a crumpet was absolutely delicious. The palate cleanser that followed was definitely needed after that. The Bergamot , ginger , pomelo , yoghurt was lightly creamy yet lovely and refreshing. This led us to dessert and as beautiful as it looked the taste matched the presentation. The Valrhona Opalys Chocolate with mandarin and yuzu was the perfect way to finish. We finished with coffee , petit fours and mulled wine to bring to an end a truly great afternoon. The food created by Scott and his team was amazing. The front of house team led by Julie look after you superbly. So when you put all this together you’re not going to be surprised when I say I would highly recommend a visit. Whether you’re a couple or small group this is a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy great food , wine and service. Definitely looking forward to returning again in the new year. Thank You Scott and all your team for a fantastic afternoon and look forward to seeing you all again soon."